Hello, CYH. Welcome to the forum.

I subscribe to balance in all things, It's a whole lot easier to keep on marching with an optimistic drive if I am not ignoring the wet socks growing fungi in my boots. Taking time to address the complaints of my feet sure make it easier to keep the drive going for the long haul. The harder I ply optimism to the wet socks, the harder it is to believe in optimism.

Is ^it^ complaining, procrastinating or simply the natural human limitations? Dunno. Think I'll take a rest while I ponder the question.

Steadying support while you ponder your own, CYH. Welcome aboard. Hope you make the other half of your long haul. Complain freely here. It's allowed.

Welcome. I hope you find the support you need here!

I know it's difficult, and it sounds like you're still working hard. Don't discount the amount of time, energy, and effort it takes to be a full-time student. If you want to do well in school, it's definitely going to eat up a lot of your time. My philosophy over the past year has been to sit down and identify the things worth struggling for. If getting good grades is important, your struggle will be to do whatever is necessary to achieve them.

Just try to remember this: A grade is a symbol that exists to tell you whether or not you are ready to proceed to the next level in your education. If your grades aren't reflecting where you want to be, try approaching the material in a different way. Think about the ways in which the tests are written, and try learning the material based on that structure. I don't know what your field of study is, but when I was in college, I was a biology major. I found that drawing diagrams and reorganizing my notes helped me.

I think you have probably identified your issue here; you went from being the person who "has it all together" to being the person who uprooted and began anew. And I think that's part of what can cause people to hit walls and feel like they're falling into a lull - when your identity is rooted in having everything together, throwing out that template and building back up from the start of another is trying, and difficult, and requires a lot of work.

But for the record, I think you're incredibly brave for going after a new dream. It won't be achieved overnight, but remember that you've made so much progress already in starting again, and hopefully with a little support, you can keep going.

Remember that it's okay to be honest with the people in your life. You can even say some of the things you've said here - that you're struggling with "starting over," and you would appreciate their support.

Your family will be okay. Let them know you're there for them, too. Everyone goes through rough patches, and I believe you can get through it. Talk to your husband and let him know you appreciate how hard he's worked. Maybe even do something special for him soon to show him that you appreciate it. It couldn't hurt, anyway.

I hope I helped and didn't just make everything worse lol.

Seriously, though, always here if you need a vent or need some support in another way. I hope everything works out. Keep your goals in mind and remember that you're working toward bettering yourself every day. Soon enough, you'll be where you want to be. Just gotta keep working at it.

Agree with all of the above. It sounds like you may be overwhelmed and maybe?? a little burned out? Are you able to take a semester off or would that make you feel worse? I am trying (and it's hard to do) to lower my expectations. You need "self care" a thing which many women find hard to do.
It sounds like you're doing amazing things, all to your credit. Just don't kill yourself in the meantime. You've put a lot of effort into so many things.

Welcome to the board and you've taken the all important first step in writing it all out. Venting here is a safe way to figure out what direction you are in, and choose where you want to head next.

Several factors are in play, so put things in order to help reduce the "..." thought pattern.

If you're able to retain it orally then add that to your structure of study ... that's something you can do with your schedule and be flexible with.

Decide what you want most in the moment, and work from that outward to find simple and easy ways to calm the chaos.

Breathe in and out, count, move gently, stay hydrated, and put as much into a daily order to reduce the over thinking of certain issues.

The thing about holiday...is that it is just another day...tradition may not be the same...so have a family sit-down and see what everyone can do to help dad feel rested, relaxed, and refreshed, then you, and then each person at the table. That will help everyone find the positive in the moment.

Back to back goals take a lot of effort, so take time to praise yourself for what you've already done, and what you are doing, and what everyone is doing.

Best wishes! You are not alone!

Hi my friend. First off, let me start by saying, it is not your fault the company had a merger and laid off the whole department. I agree it is a struggle. I want to commend you for your efforts to go back to college and make the most out of this opportunity. If I may suggest something to you. You took a huge step to be a positive thinker in time of stressful situation. I can see that you want to be a good example for your family just like you have always been; "having it all together". If you ask me, that is speaking volumes. It tells me that you are not a quitter when times get tough. You look ways to get through it instead of wade in it. Now, I went back to school too. I felt out of place being older. I did have to study harder than when I was younger but I was determined to reach my goal each week to do my best in classes, tests and study quietly and asking questions if I needed to. I have to admit, there were times of real challenges. but I did overcome it one week at a time crossing off the day on the calendar then I saw month after month go by, then I saw the 3 years. I got my degree. How, because I was determined to better myself. Because, I wanted to help provide for my family just like you do. Did it mean that I was less of a person, NO. Did I fail as a wife and mother, NO. My friend, its only natural to feel the heavy weight on our shoulders to get thru the courses. We are so eager to finish and just get it over with so we can go on with our lives, feeling more complete. Guess what, we are already complete. We are still the wife, mother and the example. Just in a different scenery and format. Soooo, please be less hard on yourself and BELIEVE more in YOU. It is all in your mindset. You can do it. I believe in you can reach your goals. Look how far you have come already. KUDOS! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted on how it goes. I will be waiting to hear from you. Hugs :)